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Aging and ocular tissue stiffness in glaucoma.
Baiyun Liu1, Sara McNally2, Jason I Kilpatrick3
1School of Physics, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|July 2, 2017
Summary
Age-related stiffening of ocular tissues contributes to glaucoma progression. Understanding mechanotransduction in the trabecular meshwork and optic nerve head may reveal new glaucoma treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease causing irreversible vision loss, linked to aging.
- Aging increases extracellular matrix stiffness, impacting ocular tissues and contributing to ophthalmic diseases.
- Ocular tissue stiffening, particularly in the trabecular meshwork and optic nerve head, is implicated in glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of age-related ocular stiffening in glaucoma progression.
- To discuss the molecular mechanisms of tissue stiffening and mechanotransduction in ocular cells.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting age-related stiffening in glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of age-related ocular stiffening in various eye tissues.
- Analysis of extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrotic changes in glaucoma.
- Examination of cellular and molecular events, including myofibroblast activation.
- Description of mechanosensitive pathways in trabecular meshwork and lamina cribrosa cells.
Main Results:
- Age-associated ocular tissue stiffening is a significant factor in glaucoma.
- Extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork and optic nerve head contribute to disease progression.
- Mechanotransduction pathways in ocular cells are activated by tissue stiffening, driving further fibrosis.
- Specific ocular tissues affected include the trabecular meshwork, lamina cribrosa, sclera, cornea, retina, and Bruch membrane/choroid.
Conclusions:
- Age-related ocular stiffening is a critical factor in glaucoma pathogenesis.
- Understanding the interplay between tissue mechanics and cellular responses is key to developing novel glaucoma therapies.
- Targeting age-related stiffening and mechanotransduction pathways offers potential for innovative glaucoma treatments.
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